From the Classroom to the Capitol: My Journey with Moms Demand Action
In this heartfelt and urgent episode, I reflect on a long-standing goal I've held since the launch of this podcast: to speak with a gun violence prevention advocate about the devastating impact of mass shootings, particularly in schools. As a classroom teacher, this issue is deeply personal. The statistics are staggering—but behind them are real people, real families, and far too many children lost.
That goal led me to Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement founded by Shannon Watts in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy. What began as a Facebook group created by one mother has evolved into a nationwide force advocating for stronger gun laws and safer communities.
In 2024, I attended my first meeting. But it wasn’t until I got on an "action bus" to Albany, New York—a place where I earned my undergraduate education—that I truly felt the power of community activism. I joined fellow advocates to meet with lawmakers and push for three essential bills that address:
- The ban of semi-automatic handguns that can be converted into machine guns using illegal Glock switches,
- The codification and expansion of New York’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention,
- A simplified and strengthened firearm storage law.
These aren't radical ideas—they're common-sense measures to save lives.
This episode isn't just about one person's journey into advocacy—it's about what happens when we move from storytelling to action. I found inspiration, purpose, and a network of passionate people who believe we can and must do better.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I do?”—this episode is your invitation to find out.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org
- Everytown for Gun Safety: https://everytown.org
- Shannon Watts on Twitter: @shannonrwatts
- “In the Battle Against Gun Violence, Shannon Watts Fights Like a Mother” – Glamour Article
📢 Call to Action:
Attend a local Moms Demand Action meeting. Speak up. Vote smart. And when the “action bus” rolls into your town—get on.
https://momsdemandaction.org/
🎧 Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for my upcoming interview with a gun prevention advocate.
